Cultivating Personal Style Without Buying Into Trends

Finding your personal beauty and style is incredibly empowering - but keep in mind that the key word here is personal. In other words, we mean cultivating a feeling and sense of design that embodies who you are as a person and helps you tell the story that you want to tell to the world. Incorporating what inspires you in your daily life into your approach to beauty, fashion, and even function is, in our opinion, one of the best ways to build an enduring style that carries over from day to day and goes far beyond what you are wearing.

Have Your High Quality Basics and Essentials 

Every wardrobe has its essentials; the key is finding the right shape and the best quality. Take your jeans, for example. It can be tempting to have every shape under the sun simply for variety when in reality, each body type suits two, maybe three shapes, and even then, not everyone will look the same in them. But here’s the thing - clothes are made to fit the body - the body is not made to fit the clothes. Instead of looking for pieces that fit the dominating ethos of trends, look at trying on new clothes as an interview. Does the new garment live up to the job? Because if not, it’s the garment that you need to change - not your body. In our opinion, this one small mindset reminder can be the difference between an empowering wardrobe and one that makes us feel less-than. Be critical of the clothes you bring into your life - how does it feel on your body? How do you move in it?

Surprisingly, if you focus on fit and function when it comes to your clothing - and not trends, you’ll immediately elevate your style. 

Don’t overlook the accessories when you’re getting this. Bags, jewelry, and even hats and scarves could play a part in this. Plenty of brands specialize in this, such as Emigre, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a few options you like. They’ll look great no matter the occasion.

Aging As Part Of A Signature Style

Age is a natural process, and we’re so here for the souvenirs we collect along the way. Honestly, we think a few lines here or there from a life well-lived are often the most chic accessory. However, we’re not at a hard stop when it comes to doing what you feel you need to do to make yourself feel like yourself. We’ve got nothing against self improvement in the way each individual feels is best for them. And while we have personally shied away from needles and anything invasive - counteracting environmental factors such as sun damage, pollution, stress, and other unnatural damage is definitely still an interest - and can be tackled from multiple angles.  Whether you’re interested in non-surgical facial rejuvenation or other sculpting techniques like those offered at riveraesthetics.com, or simply choose the route of a solid sunscreen and a good moisturizer, finding effective methods that combat the environmental stresses can be quite helpful for feeling blessed and unbothered in your own skin. And before you do anything drastic, start with upping your water intake. You’d be amazed at what a difference a little boost in a good habit can bring.

Take Time to Be Creative 

Here’s our favorite style tip of all. Give yourself the chance to be creative. Set aside some time and make it an event to try out new combinations of the clothes that you already have. Wear dresses as skirts and tuck a sweater into a belt over your slip dress. Try two items on together that you’ve never worn at the same time - and see where it leads you. Focus on how you can layer and remix your favorite items with accessories (a scarf, for example, can transform an outfit in many interesting ways). 

Being creative and giving yourself time to understand what looks good with what is in your closet, instead of trying to make outfits when you are in a rush, is an easy way to add new creative ideas to your repertoire. 

Learn How to Accessorize 

From your clothes to your hair, accessories immediately change the story your outfit is telling. You can take a single simple look like a white t-shirt and jeans, and take it from a day look to a night look simply by changing out your accessories. For the day look, you can wear a soft cardigan and sneakers, then a boot and a scarf and leather jacket for the night.